Our Mother, Joyce Martin Schuman, was born in Martinsburg, WV on January 27, 1924. She was the seventh child of George Amos and Ruth Mary Ziegler Martin. Her parents had ten children; eight of whom lived into adulthood. All of Mom's sisters and brothers; Vauda, George, Jr., Ralph, Juanita, Imogene, Betty, Sue, Robert and Roberta, are gone now.

Mom enjoyed a happy childhood, despite growing up in a large family during the Great Depression. Her Father, George, had secure employment with the B&O Railroad and thankfully the family did not struggle. George would later retire from the B&O after 35 years. Mom often remarked how good and kind her parents were, not only to their own family, but to others within the community. She would tell me about how her Mother would bake every day and prepare good, wholesome meals that would often be shared with other families less fortunate.

Joyce was a bit of a ‘tom-boy' growing up, who liked to roller skate and climb trees. She once told me she didn't care about sitting around in a pretty dress when she could be outside having fun! She had many friends growing up and kept in touch with several through the years. Mom enjoyed school and went to a lot of school dances and participated in many class activities.

When Pearl Harbor was attacked, Mom was a junior in high school. She said several young men (boys really) joined the armed forces from her high school and when school resumed after the Christmas holiday; some had already left for training. Mom would later join the US Navy, with her younger brother, Robert "Bobby", in September 1944. Uncle Bobby remained in the Navy; retiring in 1969.

As a member of the US Navy WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service), our Mom was trained as a telephone operator and worked in Washington, DC as well as Yorktown, VA. Virginia is where she met our Dad, Joseph William Schuman, also in the Navy. Dad was in Norfolk in late 1944 for reassignment after returning home from battle in the European Theater. After the war ended, Mom and Dad were married in Yorktown, VA on October 18, 1945.

In 1946 - Mom and Dad made Danville, Illinois their home. They moved into a home owned by Dad's parents, Joe and Ann Schuman – which was next door to them on Anderson Street. Their first child, John, was born on July 29, 1946. Daughter JoAnn arrived six years later, September 13, 1952. 1952 also saw Mom and Dad move into a new home on Plum Street in Danville – a home my Dad physically built, with the help of his Dad. Daughter Jennifer arrived on October 2, 1958. Daughter Jeannine on September 17, 1962.

In 1965, our family moved to Cleveland Street. That same year, John entered the US Navy. On January 21, 1969, daughter Jodi arrived. Mom and Dad lived on Cleveland Street for the remainder of their lives, where they enjoyed their vegetable garden and raising flowers. Mom especially loved yellow roses. She loved all kinds of birds - with the Cardinal being her favorite of all. Her favorite color was red. She loved watching the old movie classics and I fondly remember going to the Theater with her to see Gone With the Wind. (The days before it was shown on TV.) Mom helped each of her children in many ways. Mom was very thoughtful and always made everyone feel welcome.

Mom loved to cook and was always preparing dinner as I came in from school. I remember going through her cookbooks as a child to pick out easy recipes to try on my own. She'd say from the living room...."Just don't make a mess, Jenny." Some recipes ended in disaster - but I never gave up! I learned to sew on her wonderful old console Sears Kenmore sewing machine. Many times, I would drag it into my bedroom and sew Simplicity skirts and dresses. I still have her tape measure, it sits in my sewing basket.

Mom and Dad were wonderful Grandparents to their eighteen Grandchildren. They visited them all regularly. Mom and Dad came to my home on Sunday afternoons. She'd bring candy or cupcakes when she came to visit. She loved talking over a cup of coffee and would often bring photos over and reminisce about days gone by. I really miss her.

Mom died suddenly of a heart attack in her sleep the day before her 72nd birthday, January 26, 1996. I talked to her two days before, when I called to confirm our annual lunch date for her birthday. Just the day before, she and my Dad went shopping and she felt fine.

We love and miss Mom and think about her and Dad every day. We feel they are holding our Son, William near to them. William loved them both so much.

Beloved Grandma Joyce to William Tyler Huber who lovingly called William ~ "Peanut" and "Firecracker".

♥ Thank you for taking the time to read about our Mom. She would appreciate your visit! ♥

❀~ We'd like to thank the US Veterans Affairs Office for placing our Mother's page on the Find A Grave Site- and for graciously transferring it to us. Sincerely-Jennifer & Jimmy Fry ~❀

Both your husband and you are indeed a shinning example of loving and committed parents/grandparents. Exodus 23:20(KJV)Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared. *~* Please give my...(Read more)-
Sandi CheathamAdded: Mar. 3, 2015